A 20km quarantine zone in Thorpdale's potato region has been declared following the discovery of potato cyst nematode.
The discovery, made during routine crop surveys required to meet standards for seed potato certification, could have a devastating effect on the seed potato industry.
Department of Primary Industries scientists identified PCN in soil samples taken from the affected property this week.
Additional samples have been sent to an interstate laboratory for further confirmation of the microscopic wormlike organism that feeds on the roots of the plants.
DPI Principal Plant Standards Policy Officer David Beardsell said that DPI was meeting with potato industry authorities and growers today to discuss the consequences of the detection and management of the pest, including the establishment of a control area around the detection site.
“A team has been set up by DPI to manage the response to the detection which is likely to include an intensive soil surveillance program, to establish the PCN status of other properties in the district," Dr Beardsell said.
"This will be in addition to the ongoing soil testing required by certified seed growers.”
Dr Beardsell said trade restrictions would apply to areas where PCN was detected including a 20km exclusion zone. No plant material or equipment from the zone can be moved interstate.
"Unfortunately this detection has serious implications for the potato industry and the local Thorpdale community," he said.
“It will affect market access for both seed and fresh potatoes grown in the area around the detection site."
The discovery comes just six months after a plant protection zone was declared in Gippsland.
The declaration came after 16 years of testing found no evidence of PCN.
Mr Beardsell said Thorpdale supplied up to 30 per cent of Australia’s certified seed potatoes, so there could also be repercussions for seed supply around the country next season.
“DPI will be negotiating with other states to minimise the impact on localgrowers and merchants and ensure continued access for Thorpdale seed potatoes,” he said.
“Joint efforts by DPI and industry to effectively manage this case of PCN will minimise both the risk of spreading this disease further and the trade implications."
Dr Beardsell said the industry and DPI had effectively managed previous cases of PCN in the Gippsland area.
He said it was not known how the disease entered the property.
“PCN can be transferred on machinery or product but we also know it can remain dormant in soil for up to 20 years," he said.
For information about the movement of potato plant material, machinery and other equipment contact DPI Plant Standards on (03) 8371 3500 or plant.standards@dpi.vic.gov.au
